Chapters 81-82 Summary

Ishmael tells the account of the crew of the Pequod's meeting with a German whaling vessel. Ishmael notes the captain of this German ship seems more eager than usual to meet with their ship and upon first note seems to be holding a coffee pot in his hand. At second look, the crew sees it is indeed a lamp feeder and that the captain of the other ship probably wants to borrow some oil. Upon boarding the Pequod, Ahab immediately asks the captain if he has seen the White Whale, a question to which the captain replies in the negative. The captain tells Ahab he needs oil as his boat has yet to capture a whale. The crew fills his needs and he is on his way back across to his boat, The Virgin, when whales are spotted from both boats. Without even going back...